Catch all the Naledi Theatre Awards action on KykNET

Whether you were there on the night, or followed it on social media, you will not want to miss the sensational 2016 Naledi Theatre Awards television broadcast on Sunday, 4 September on kykNET, Channel 144.

From heart-wrenching acceptance speeches and tributes that left the audiences drying their eyes, to hysterical skits and spellbinding performances, this 90-minute TV-spectacular highlights what South Africa loves most about the theatre.

This magical broadcast, devised by Naledi Theatre Awards Executive Director Dawn Lindberg and executed by Clive Morris Productions, captures all the glitz, glam, sentiment and excitement that Lindberg’s staging of the 2016 Naledi Theatre Awards at the Lyric Theatre on 19, April exuded.

Exceptional live music by the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, conducted by Eddie Clayton, will guide you through the deliverance and acceptance of 31 well-deserved Naledi Theatre Awards, while MC’s, comedian Mark Banks and TV personality Bridget Masinga, share jokes and anecdotes along the way.

You do not want to miss the fashion-forward formal wear worn by Masinga and celebrity presenters Pearl Thusi, Cathy Specific, Nataniël, Maps Maponyane and Atandwa Kani or miss the chance to see legends David Kramer and Dali and Rachel Tambo take to the stage to honour their comrades in the arts.

Emotional moments abound when the Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award winner, Gaynor Young accepts her award for unbelievable bravery and perseverance from Nataniël; when Taliep Petersen’s children accept his posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award and when the granddame of South Africa theatre, Thembi Mtshali receives her Executive Director’s Award. Witness Mr Showbiz himself, Alvon Collison, also accept a Lifetime Achievement Award, but not without a few licks of song, of course!

“I must have watched the tributes 100 times but still get a tear when watching Gaynor’s dignified walk, Taliep’s daughter’s brimming eyes, Alvon’s quavering voice and David Kramer’s final poem for his friend. Emotion is what makes great viewing and I defy anyone not to be moved and excited by this year’s Naledi’s,” says Lindberg.

A tribute to all the industry players who took their final bow in the year of revue is beautifully made through a remembrance video, which is sure to incite a few more tears and fond memories.

Throughout this kaleidoscopic show, expect to see your favourite stars from the stage and screen, and of course all the creative masterminds, deliver and accept awards and speeches for theatre productions they participated in in 2015. Huge smiles, brimming eyes and hearty laughs will have your chest swelling for the players of local theatre.

Be sure to catch it all on Sunday 4 September at 14:30 on kykNET, Channel 144 on DStv.

For more information, visit www.naleditheatreawards.org.za and watch the 2016 promotional video here. Alternatively, you can connect with them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NalediTheatreAwards/) or on Twitter using the hashtag #NalediAwards.